Ear infections are one of the most common childhood illnesses, according to the BabyCenter website. Although the ear infections themselves are not contagious, they can be caused by bacteria or a viral infection. The common cold can also lead to an ear infection. To get your infant or toddler the treatment he needs quickly, it is important to be able to recognize the symptoms of an ear infection.
Pain
If your infant or toddler has an ear infection, she will typically experience some ear pain. A toddler who can talk may be able to tell you that her ear hurts. If she cannot talk, she may cry, seem irritable or pull on ear. During infancy, she may have difficulty eating because the sucking and swallowing increases the pressure and pain in her ear.
Discharge
Another symptom of ear infections in infants and toddlers is discharge. You may notice a yellow or white fluid draining from your child's ear that looks different from earwax that you might typically see in his ear. The discharge from his ear may also have a foul odor.
Other Symptoms
Your infant or toddler may have a fever if she is suffering from an ear infection. She may also seem to have trouble hearing you. Diarrhea can also be a symptom of an ear infection, because viruses and bacteria that cause ear infections can sometimes affect the gastrointestinal tract.
Recommendations
To determine if your infant or toddler has an ear infection, his doctor will look in his ear to try to spot swelling or trapped drainage. He may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection and a pain medications to ease your child's discomfort, so follow his instructions carefully. If your child has chronic ear infections, the doctor may test your baby's hearing and check for scarring.
